Sports reporter

St Kilda ruck coach Darren Jolly has labelled American rookie Jason Holmes as the Saints' best pure-tap ruckman, tipping a possible debut for the ex-college basketballer next season.

However, the dual premiership ruckman said the Saints would be spoilt for choice in their ruck division next season.

St KIlda has an inexperienced ruck brigade following the departure of Ben McEvoy during last year's trade period. Tom Hickey, whose year has been curbed by knee and foot injuries, leads the way with 30 games, with Billy Longer (23), Lewis Pierce (0) and Holmes (0) rounding out the big men in red, white and black.

Pierce was named an emergency for St Kilda's match with Richmond on Sunday.

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Jolly suggested Holmes would likely come into the selection discussion next year, having taken significant strides in his football education.

"He's been fantastic because he wants to learn, he's always asking questions of me, he's intrigued about how to get better. Out of pure-tap work, he's probably the best."

Holmes is set to play in the Sandringham VFL team in the first week of the finals next week, having played all but one game this year for the Saints' affiliate. "He's dominating games and really impressing the coaches. It's really promising for the club that in 2015, we could see him roll out and play some games," Jolly said.

"The biggest thing for him is just his belief. When he first got here, he didn't believe he was part of the team or didn't think that he had a right to be on the ground. What I've tried to drill into him is that 'you're the biggest bloke out there. You need to be more demanding and you have every right to be there and just take on the game and back your ability'. I think the dilemma the Saints will have in 2015 is that hopefully they'll have five [ruckmen to choose from]."

After being discarded by Collingwood at the end of last season, Jolly took on the role as part-time ruck mentor at Seaford, a position the 32-year-old says he is enjoying. He indicated discussions had not yet begun with the Saints about an extension of his contract.

Jolly also extended his best wishes to unwell former coach Neale Daniher, who is battling motor neurone disease, saying he would seek Daniher out to say hello and wish him well should their paths cross.

"It is really sad to see anyone go through an illness like that, but especially Neale, who's been a big part of AFL," Jolly said. "He's been not only a really good player, but a great coach for a long time at Melbourne.

"I wish him all the best and his family all the best."

Daniher opened up about his condition in an interview with former Essendon teammate Tim Watson, screened last Monday night on Channel Seven. Daniher had spoken with Fairfax Media about his battle in March. The Channel Seven interview coincided with the "ice bucket challenge," a worldwide event that raises money and awareness for motor neurone disease.